California is making a big mistake, and it could cost them everything. The state that once stood as a shining example of American innovation is now chasing away the very people who made it great. Why? Because of a dangerous idea: taxing success.

California lawmakers have decided to go after the wealthy with a new wealth tax. That may sound good to some folks at first. But let’s stop and think. Who are they really targeting? These are the tech investors and business builders who helped create thousands of jobs and brought billions of dollars into the state. These are the people who took risks, built companies from nothing, and helped make California the heart of the tech world. And now, the state wants to punish them for it.

This isn’t just about hurting a few billionaires. When the rich leave, they take more than their money. They take jobs. They take new ideas. They take future opportunities for everyday workers trying to make a living. And they’re already leaving. Tech investors and companies are packing up and moving to states like Texas and Florida—places where hard work is still rewarded, not punished.

Let’s be clear: this wealth tax is not about fairness. It’s about control. California’s politicians can’t stop spending, and instead of cutting waste, they want to reach deeper into the pockets of those who’ve earned their success. They think they know better than the free market. They believe government should decide how much money is “too much.” That’s not the American way.

America was built on the idea that anyone—no matter where they come from—can rise through hard work and determination. Our Founders didn’t fight a war for independence so that future leaders could punish achievement. They fought for liberty, for property rights, for the freedom to build and keep what you earn. California is turning its back on those values.

And the worst part? These policies don’t even work. History shows us that when taxes go too high, people leave. Businesses shrink. Revenue falls. Instead of helping the state, this wealth tax could actually make California poorer in the long run. Jobs will vanish. Innovation will slow. And the middle class will suffer the most.

The people of California deserve better. They deserve leaders who understand that prosperity comes from freedom, not from government handouts or heavy taxes. They deserve a tax system that rewards success and encourages investment in the future. But right now, they’re getting the opposite.

This is what happens when radical policies take hold. The far-left has taken over California’s government, and they’re using envy and class warfare to push a destructive agenda. They want to tear down the rich instead of lifting up the poor. But tearing others down never built a strong country. It only divides us and makes everyone weaker.

If California wants to protect its future, it needs to stop punishing the people who drive its economy. It needs to return to common sense—low taxes, personal freedom, and respect for private property. That’s how we grow. That’s how we stay strong.

Other states are watching, and so is the rest of the country. California’s failure is a warning. If we let government grow too big and let politicians chase away the people who create value, we all lose.

We must stand up for liberty, for free markets, and for the American Dream. That’s how we honor our heritage. That’s how we protect our future. And that’s how we make sure America stays the land of opportunity for generations to come.